Students were given a tour of Strathclyde Sport, the University’s new sport, health and wellbeing Facility, which Graham Construction is currently delivering on behalf of the academic institution.

The Engineering Academy is a pioneering programme which offers an alternative route into university and employment as a Strathclyde student. The first year is an enhanced HNC programme with direct transfer into second year of one of its engineering degrees.

The Academy is a collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, partner colleges and the engineering industry, designed as an innovative route into higher education.

Applicants get a taster of university life while becoming a fully enrolled student after completing one year in college. They also get access to an academic counsellor and the facility’s Virtual Learning Environment.

Entry requirements for the Academy are four Highers at Grade B which must include Maths and Physics.

Graham Construction’s community benefits manager, Debbie Rutherford, who plays a key role in Graham Academy programme, has said: “We’re pleased to support this novel initiative which acts as an accessible entry point to the University of Strathclyde and future careers in the construction industry.

“A site tour is an excellent way for young people to see how a building project develops, gaining an insight into the many different roles which must work together delivering the final result.

“University is a fantastic route into construction and the Academy opens up this pathway to students who perhaps haven’t considered academia as their immediate after-school option.

“We look forward to continuing our support for this project and helping more young people learn about the sector.”

Dr Andrew McLaren, director of the Engineering Academy, said: “Strathclyde is committed to ensuring that ability, rather than social or economic circumstances, determine participation in higher education. The University has many Widening Access initiatives, of which the Engineering Academy is one of the most successful, having opened the door to Engineering courses for hundreds of students.

“Strathclyde’s campus is being transformed to delivering first-class facilities for staff, students and visitors. Strathclyde Sport is an important part of this programme and we are delighted to have worked with Graham Construction to give students an insight into the project.”

Located on a prominent junction within the University campus, and on a major arterial route into the centre of Glasgow, the Strathclyde Sport health and wellbeing facility will include two four-court multi-use sports halls, a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite with more than 180 stations, two squash courts and four consultation and treatment rooms.

The investment is part of the University’s £650 million transformation of its campus, and will support health and wellbeing for the entire University community, as well as enabling students and sports clubs to train and compete at the highest levels.

Work on the project began in November 2016, with the centre expected to open in summer 2018.